LOVELAND, Colo.–After a heartbreaking 3–2 loss in overtime on Wednesday, the Colorado Eagles were on the brink of elimination.

There were several areas to improve to ensure the team could continue their playoff run.

“We looked at a couple areas that we thought if we could clean up, we could make the game a little bit easier on us,” coach Aaron Schneekloth said. “I mean, if you look at all four of these games, like every shift is like, full out intensity, full out compete. It’s a physical game. There’s tons of emotion and passion out there, so we want our guys to play with that emotion and passion, but not forget the fact that we play within our structure. It’s won us a lot of occupations this year, and that’s where our home is.”

With that in mind, the Eagles hit the ice with a vengeance. Jean-Luc Foudy was back in the lineup after missing last game’s matchup and was the first to get on the board with the help of Mark Senden and playoff rookie Hank Kempf.

“I’m really impressed with [Kempf’s] professionalism,” Schneekloth said. “He has been working hard in practice and absorbing a lot of information. Obviously, not an easy game for him to step into in round three against a really tough team, but his skating stood out. He was efficient with the puck, he battled hard. He’s a big guy, so I thought he did a really nice job tonight.”

 

It was essential to get on the board early, with the Abbotsford Canucks’ (VAN) knack for having late, timely goals. Wednesday, they came up with a big equalizing goal just over halfway through the first period. Keeping their equally dominant offense at bay while keeping the same intensity would be the difference maker.

In contrast to Wednesday, there weren’t nearly as many penalties. The first one came 5:29 into the second period, drawn by the Canucks. Luckily, the penalty kill unit meant business and didn’t allow Abbotsford to put a single shot on the net. Despite a blatant uncalled trip on T.J. Tynan, Jayson Megna put the Eagles up by two in the face of odds stacked against them late in the second period.

The second frame was fast-paced and exciting, and the Eagles controlled more than half of the period. They threw eight shots on the net.

However, the missed penalties continued. A quick punch to the back of Calle Rosén’s head, followed by a powerful blow from a stick that sent his helmet flying, resulted in only a two-minute minor penalty for the Canucks. But, Tye Felhaber made the best of the situation and made it a 3–0 game with help from Tynan and Oskar Olausson.

Though the scoring was done for Colorado by the time the third period came to pass, the team would hold on to their lead. However, the star of the show was the aggressive conduct on the ice. Abbotsford didn’t take to losing their next-round clinch well, and pulled multiple dangerous moves.

Matt Stienburg had his head slammed into the ice after losing a fight and five of the penalties in the last frame were for roughing. Two Eagles and three Canucks received five ten-minute misconduct penalties. Sammy Blais received his third misconduct in as many games.

Finally, the opponents squeaked one goal in the net past netminder Trent Miner, ending his bid to shutout. The game ended favoring Colorado 3–1.

“It was a great game by our team, and we just stuck to our structure,” Felhaber said. “And Danny, I know it’s really made up, like it’s the same game out there, and we just stuck to it, stuck to our guns, and came out on top, and we’re ready for game five.”

Upcoming

The Eagles will return to Blue Arena on Monday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m. FloHockey will stream the game.

Tye Felhaber interview

Coach Aaron Schneekloth interview